Published: Friday, September 14, 2012 at 05:36 PM.

Many seem to follow a typical pattern of writing and recording new music, touring to promote it, taking a little break and beginning the cycle again.

Other bands try unconventional methods of creativity.

The latter was the case for Christian band Tenth Avenue North, which released its third studio album, "The Struggle," on Aug. 21. Nearly all of the new CD was written and recorded during last year’s massive yearlong "Make Your Move Tour" with Third Day.

The process was quite different than past projects, drummer Jason Jamison said.

"Each tour stop became like a mini-studio for us," Jamison explained. "The guys would be in the dressing room coming up with ideas, and we’d set up an amp and record demos right there."

Jamison said that rather than create lyrics and a song on an acoustic guitar, every member of the band helped in the process, using a variety of instruments. In fact, a lot of what the band recorded on those various stops ended up being on the record.

Many seem to follow a typical pattern of writing and recording new music, touring to promote it, taking a little break and beginning the cycle again.

Other bands try unconventional methods of creativity.

The latter was the case for Christian band Tenth Avenue North, which released its third studio album, "The Struggle," on Aug. 21. Nearly all of the new CD was written and recorded during last year’s massive yearlong "Make Your Move Tour" with Third Day.

The process was quite different than past projects, drummer Jason Jamison said.

"Each tour stop became like a mini-studio for us," Jamison explained. "The guys would be in the dressing room coming up with ideas, and we’d set up an amp and record demos right there."

Jamison said that rather than create lyrics and a song on an acoustic guitar, every member of the band helped in the process, using a variety of instruments. In fact, a lot of what the band recorded on those various stops ended up being on the record.

"The process was a little backwards, but it was much more cohesive," Jamison said. "This really was a collaborative effort for us."

Fans can hear the finished product in concert when Tenth Avenue North brings its "Struggle Tour" to Burlington Athletic Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. show Sept. 21. Singer/songwriter Audrey Assad will open the show, and Australian band Rend Collective Experiment also is scheduled to perform.

The band, which formed in the mid-2000s at Florida Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Fla., released its debut CD, "Over and Underneath," in 2008. That effort earned Tenth Avenue North a Dove Award for New Artist of the Year in 2009, and the group’s follow-up, "The Light Meets the Dark," produced the Gospel Music Association’s Song of the Year ("By Your Side") in 2010.

In addition to Jamison, the current lineup includes singer Mike Donehey, guitarist Jeff Owen, bassist Ruben Juarez and keyboardist Brendon Shirley. Though "The Struggle" may not sound like an upbeat title, Jamison said the band’s message essentially has remained the same.

"Our goal has always been to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that hasn’t changed," he said. "Each record seems to take on a different theme, and this one discusses the struggles we endure, but not necessarily in a negative way.

"Humans mess up, and it’s OK to not be perfect," he continued. "It’s OK to struggle sometimes because of the grace Christ gives us. But once we break free from the chains that have kept us struggling, how do we keep from going back to that place? That’s the focus of the CD."

Jamison said Tenth Avenue North is excited about the new music and is eager for fans to hear it in a concert setting. The show in Burlington will be a mix of past hits and new material, he said.

"We’ve got to play the songs everybody has come to love from the last two records," Jamison said. "But at the same time, we’re excited to see if these new songs can take on a life of their own."

Jamison said Rend Collective Experiment will open the show and play about 20 to 25 minutes, followed by Assad for another 25 minutes or so. Tenth Avenue North plans to perform about 75 minutes, giving fans a solid two hours of Christian music.

"We certainly hope the music is awesome and the production is awesome, but I really want people leaving the concert saying they experienced God," Jamison said. "The experience will be different for each person, but I really hope the night provides an environment for people to encounter Christ."

Gates open at 6:30 p.m, and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. The show is sponsored by Bellemont United Methodist Church and Pine Ridge Church. Tickets are $20, $15 for military and students, and are available at www.itickets.com. For more details, call (336) 227-4632.